Sunday, March 29, 2009

Cruise weddings are a way to get married on a ship or at an exciting port of call full of mystery and romance. A cruise wedding will give the wedding entourage a full-scaled wedding event that will be treasured for years to come.

Significance

Cruise weddings are gaining popularity because of the multiplicity of the event. A wedding can take place on the cruise ship, as the honeymoon can follow immediately. There are plenty of accommodations for the entire wedding party, as well as conference areas for private ceremonies and receptions.

Identification

A cruise ship wedding can be identified by a wedding party gathering around a bride and groom on a ship. Flowers, an altar and other wedding props may also be present. Wedding music and dancing can also accompany the scene of the cruise ship wedding and reception.

Geography

Cruise ship weddings are typically held at sea, although they can also be held at ports of call as long as they are performed on the cruise ship itself.

Types

One type of wedding is the themed variety, such as a Disney cruise. The staff will wear character outfits or themed attire. There can be poolside weddings in which the ceremony is held across the pool on a platform or next to the pool. Weddings performed on a veranda deck on a cruise ship are the most popular. Weddings can also be performed at ports of call on the ocean front, with the cruise ship in the background. With family and friends at side, a cruise-ship wedding offers some of the most romantic choices.

Time Frame

The time frame for a cruise wedding has to take place within the seven to 10 days of the length of the cruise. If the cruise is being held at a port of call, time is of the essence to have the wedding performed while the cruise ship is being docked. Common among cruise weddings is for the actual ceremony to take place at one location on the cruise ship and the rest of the wedding, such as the reception, to be held poolside, in a conference room or outside on the veranda.

Warning

One needs to take into consideration that any type of traveling on a cruise ship will come with certain tribulations. Even if someone has never experienced motion sickness before, it can be subtly felt on a cruise ship, especially if the water is quite wavy and choppy. Food poisoning, although rare, can happen when eating out at ports of call or by spoilage. Packing plenty of stomach aids and pain relievers is a wise choice when traveling on a cruise ship, especially before a big event such as a wedding.

Monday, March 16, 2009

A boutonniere-- a flower or floral decoration worn by men—can add an elegant touch to any formal coat or jacket. Use the flower of your choice to complete this easy project, and look even more stunning to the ladies.

Step1

Choose a flower for your boutonniere. Whether you are making one or several, make sure that your florist will have your choice available on the desired date.

Step2

Choose a small to midsize flower for a boutonniere. Roses and carnations are flowers that are commonly used.

Step3

Inquire as to whether the florist can dye the flower to match a prom dress or wedding colors. This inquiry needs to be made days in advance.

Step4

Use greenery and baby's breath along with the flower. These items can be obtained from your florist or craft store.

Step5

Use an artificial flower for your boutonniere if fresh flowers are not available or for last-minute needs. Artificial flowers can also be kept as keepsakes without the need for special preservation methods.

Step6

Use scissors to cut the stem of the flower to a length of approximately 3 inches. If you cut off any leaves, save them to use as greenery. If you are using an artificial flower, cut the stem with wire cutters.

Step7

Create a "bed" for the flower with a small amount of baby's breath and greenery. The bed should not extend much beyond the top of the flower and should be visible from the sides. Place the baby's breath between the greenery and the flower.

Step8

Wrap all stems together completely with green floral tape.

Step9

Alternatively, leave the stem of the flower unwrapped. Affix the greenery and baby's breath with a small amount of florist wire. Keep the floral wire as close as possible to the point where the flower joins the stem. Add just enough floral tape to cover the wire and trim any loose stems from the baby's breath or greenery.

Step10

Tie a bow at the bottom of the boutonniere. Use 1/4-inch silk or satin ribbon in a color that coordinates with a prom dress or wedding colors. This ribbon can also be used to camouflage floral wire.

Step11

Keep the fresh flower boutonniere moist and cool until it is ready to be used.